Phase One IQ180 Digital Back versus rival model with similar score

Further readings for the Phase One IQ180 Digital Back

To provide photographers with a broader perspective about mobiles, lenses and cameras, here are links to articles, reviews, and analyses of photographic equipment produced by DxOMark, renown websites, magazines or blogs.

Pentax have launched the 645Z medium-format digital SLR, featuring a new 51.4Mp CMOS sensor. Priced at £7,699, including a 55mm f/2.8 lens, it doesn’t cost much more than some pro 35mm DSLRs, but does it offer significant benefits? We preview the new Pentax 645Z and look back at Sensor Scores from its predecessor the 645D to help us decide.

The highly configurable RED Epic Dragon is the latest version of the firm’s original Epic-M Digital Still and Motion Camera (DSMC). Although we are more used to analyzing still cameras at DxOMark, we’ve had a unique opportunity to assess RAW output from a prototype using all of our usual industry standard tests. As the results were extraordinary, we thought we would share the findings. Read on to find out how this high-performance sensor performs.

Leica’s re-imagined S medium format camera adopts the 30 x 45mm 37.5-Mpix CCD of the original Leica S2 but adds improved image processing, built-in GPS and a number of other refinements. Read on to find out how well the new camera performs.

As the lower pixel count of the two full-frame A series mirrorless models from the firm the Sony A7 has been somewhat overshadowed by its pricier sibling. But with a less demanding 24-Mpix sensor and on-chip phase detection AF, the A7 sounds promising for legacy glass as well as offering faster focusing with the existing E and new FE mount lenses. Read on to find out how this intriguing new model performs.

Following on from the unexpected buzz surrounding the original RX1 full-frame compact from Sony with its fixed focal length Zeiss 35mm f/2 lens, the firm has now introduced a follow up with a modified sensor and image processing engine. Read on to find outhow well the new RX1R performs in our labs.

In the course of the past several weeks, both Canon and Nikon unveiled their professional digital reflex cameras for the next two years to come. With the D4, Nikon has updated a number of points in its pro camera body which cumulatively lead to an entirely new generation of SLR camera.

Despite its success with its latest high-end camera models (the Nikon D3s and D3x), Nikon had yet to respond to the great success of the Canon EOS 5D Mark II, whose superior resolution and numerous features (notably with respect to video) simply outclassed the aging Nikon D700.

When we received the IQ 180 Digital Back from Phase One, we expected a lot from this huge 80 MPix sensor. And indeed, this sensor is the best we have ever tested, with an overall score of 91: the best score ever and the first one to achieve over 90 points on the DxOMark scale! Let’s check out the details.

wonderful score but

First replies for this comment

Re: wonderful score but

This is a back with high resolution so diffraction (which is not a function of the back but of the lens) will be all the more noticeable.If you want low diffraction, don't go looking for another back. Some lenses handle diffraction better than others, but physics dictates that there is only so far that they can go.

If you downsample the image the diffraction and many other faults will be less visible on your computer screen. I doubt that you would find this an appropriate solution to your problem.